Studies of Low Surface Energy Materials for Printed Electronics Applications

Printed electronics have gained steadily increasing attention due to the attractive simplicity and straightforwardness of the processes. The processes are also compatible with various flexible and stretchable materials. Thus, they can be used to create lightweight, unobtrusive, and conformable devices. However, there are certain challenges related to material compatibility. For example, hydrophobic materials with low surface energies tend to repel liquid coatings, prohibiting straightforward manufacturing. Therefore, substrate materials with beneficial properties like chemical inertness, elasticity, optical transparency, or robustness may be neglected because processing can become exhaustively complicated. In this thesis, two water-repelling polymers, a poly(phenylene ether) (PPE) based polymer blend and poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) were studied. Furthermore, their applicability in printed electronics was investigated. These studies began with surface characterization. In addition, conductive tracks were printed and evaluated on PPE and PDMS substrates by screen printing silver (Ag) flake inks and inkjet printing silver nanoparticle (Ag NP) inks, respectively. The performance of the screen-printed Ag patterns was evaluated on both the native and surface-treated substrates, and the endurance against environmental stress was studied in accelerated aging tests. After developing an inkjet printable PDMS ink, alternative approaches for multilayer fabrication on this substrate were proposed. First, direct layer-by-layer inkjet deposition of conductive and dielectric layers on PDMS was studied. In the second approach, conductive and dielectric layers were printed separately on mesh-like electrospun poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) nanomesh substrates to form self-standing layers, which were sandwiched to create capacitive pressure sensor elements. The results indicate that conductive tracks can be printed on both substrates relatively straightforwardly. Highly conductive lines could be screen printed with only a single pass, the resulting sheet resistance being only 8-10 mΩ·□-1. However, a comprehensive understanding of ink composition and printing parameters is required to minimize the prints' surface roughness and edge roughness. In addition, as new screens are needed for each new pattern, prototyping with this method is time-consuming. Finally, the environmental reliability of the screen printed patterns was heavily dependent on the used materials, and the results emphasize the need for proper encapsulation. In comparison, prototyping was relatively easy by inkjet printing the functional materials directly on PDMS, and sheet resistances below 0.5 Ω·□-1 were obtained, even though print thickness was less than 2 μm. Although the sheet resistance of the porous, PVA-based conductive layers was higher (3 Ω·□-1) despite the high layer thickness of 10 μm, the obtained adhesion between the ink and the substrate was excellent. Intermediate surface treatments and curing steps of the direct layer-by-layer multilayer deposition approach made the printed patterns susceptible to deformation already during the fabrication process, requiring a new patterning strategy and curing condition optimization to prevent the defects. The integrated PVA layer made the self-standing dielectric easy to handle despite its low thickness. The capacitive sensors had linear sensitivity of up to 4 Mpa-1 with low hysteresis (< 8.5 %), remained functional over 2000 cycles, and were capable of sensing physical interactions with the surroundings. It was shown that simple processes could be used to print electronics even on hydrophobic substrates. Moreover, multilayered device configurations can be prototyped using just one material printer, either by a direct, layer-by-layer deposition or using separately printed functional layers to build devices, such as sensors. The presented results provide a reference point to further studies, which should determine the full potential and usability of the proposed materials and methods in complex printed electronic applications where both circuits and sensor elements are used in various device configurations

Value relevance of operating leases - Empirical evidence from listed companies on air transportation industry

Abstract RESEARH OBJECTIVES The objective of this study is to investigate the value relevance of constructively capitalized operating leases. Currently, leases are classified either operating leases or capital leases. Unlike capital leases, operating leases are reported as rental expense and omitted from balance sheet. Information of operating lease commitments is disclosed in footnotes. Operating leases represent one of the largest source of off-balance sheet financing. There has been a concern among standard setters for a long time, whether the current accounting practice offers reliable representation of leasing transactions that companies are engaged into for financial statement users. This study aims to examine, if the operating lease commitments are reflected in the share prices, i.e. if the market perceives the operating lease information correctly, even though reported off-balance sheet. DATA AND METHODOLOGY The data used in this study is obtained from Compustat. The data is from years 1993-2013 and comprises observations of listed companies on air transportation industry, totaling to 850 observations. The study is conducted using OLS regression analysis, by estimating three different models. FINDINGS The study fails to find incremental information content for constructively capitalized operating leases, beyond that contained in reported assets, liabilities and sales. Thus, study fails to find evidence for value relevance of operating leases

Kaupallisten hopeamusteiden arviointi silkkipainettuna PPE-pohjaiselle alustalle

Printed electronics enable fabrication of environmentally friendly wireless applications on novel substrates. Development of multidimensional substrates enables fabrication of creative applications and new communication networks between devices and users may be formed. These applications can be utilized in various industry fields, such as automotive industry or aviation, where integration of electrical devices into machine structures can provide significant benefits, as devices do not require additional space and wireless sensing and monitoring are enabled. In this study, performance of silver inks screen printed on PPE polymer compound was evaluated. Advantages of this substrate material include low dissipation factor and relative permittivity, making it thus an attractive substrate for high frequency applications. In addition, substrate fabrication by injection-molding allows usage of innovative substrate structures. However, low surface energy and resulted hydrophobic nature of this substrate make printing of high quality lines with proper electrical and mechanical performance difficult. To modify substrate surface, and thus to enhance performance, suitable surface treatments were selected for this survey. Effect of different surface treatments was inspected, and performance of printed structures was evaluated by sheet resistance measurements and crosscut adhesion tests. Effects of aging were simulated with accelerated environmental reliability tests. Results of this study indicate that material parameters have a great impact on performance of the printed structures. By the modification of surface properties, substrate can be made hydrophilic and rougher surface profile can be achieved. Furthermore, by the modification of the surface properties, better mechanical performance of printed structures can be obtained. In addition, it was observed that formed substrate-ink interface has a significant effect on the aging properties of the printed structures. On the other hand, ink selection has great impact on aging of printed structures. Therefore, protective layers are needed to shield devices from environmental stress. Sheet resistance values between 12 mΩ/□ and 25 mΩ/□ could be obtained, indicating excellent electrical performance of printed conductors

Mahdollisuus olla : sukupuolen moninaisuuden kohtaaminen sosiaalipalveluissa

Tämä opinnäytetyö käsittelee sukupuolen moninaisuutta ja sen kohtaamista sosiaalipalveluissa. Teoreettiseen tietoon ja materiaaliin perehtymällä pyritään vastaamaan siihen, mitä sukupuolen moninaisuus on, mitä ja miksi sosiaalialan ammattilaisen tulee tietää sukupuolen moninaisuudesta ja miten hän voi työssään edistää yhdenvertaisuutta etenkin sukupuoleltaan moninaisia asiakkaita kohdatessaan. Tämän tutkimuksen puitteissa on tietysti voitu luoda vain suppea katsaus erilaisten sukupuoli-identiteettien laajaan kirjoon ja niihin rakenteisiin, joihin perustamme käsityksemme sukupuolesta. Olemassa olevan tiedon ja tutkimuksen kartoittamiseen on tässä opinnäytetyössä käytetty systemaattista kirjallisuuskatsausta, jonka avulla jäsennetty kokonaisuus mahdollistaa ammattieettisen pohdinnan. Sukupuoli on sekä tuotettua kulttuurista fiktiota, että toisaalta osa minuutta ja elettyä todellisuutta. Ymmärtääksemme, miten määrittelemme sekä itseämme että toisiamme, täytyy ensin perehtyä yhteiskuntamme sukupuolinormeihin ja niiden muodostumiseen. Koska käsityksemme ”normaalista” sukupuoli-identiteetistä ja sukupuolen ilmaisusta on aina aikaan ja yhteisöömme sidottu, emme voi myöskään määritellä oikeita tai vääriä tapoja elää todeksi koettua sukupuolta. Sosiaalialan ammattilaisen kompetensseihin kuuluu kyky yhteiskunnan ja palvelujärjestelmän kriittiseen analysoimiseen ja mahdollisesti syrjivien rakenteiden tunnistamiseen ja ehkäisemiseen. Osana asiakaslähtöistä työtapaa hänen pitäisi pystyä reflektoimaan oman työotteensa inklusiivisuutta myös suhteessa sukupuoleltaan moninaisiin asiakkaisiin ja heidän asemaansa sosiaalipalveluissa. Moninaisuutta olettava työtapa ja halu aidosti kuulla ja kohdata asiakas omana itsenään ei hyödytä ainoastaan sukupuolivähemmistöihin kuuluvia asiakkaita, vaan edistää yhdenvertaisuutta ja takaa kaikkien asiakkaiden oikeuden laadukkaisiin palveluihin ja vaikuttavaan sosiaalityöhön.This thesis explores gender variance and encountering it in the social work profession. The aim of this thesis is to answer the following questions; what is gender variance, what and why should social services professionals know about it and how they can promote inclusion in their work, especially considering non-binary clients. Needless to say, this thesis is only a narrow look on the broad variety of different gender identities and on the structures upon which we base our understanding of gender. Using systematic literature review the material has been analyzed and assembled into a basic study which enables ethical reflection as a professional. Gender is a cultural fiction as well as a part of one’s self and lived reality. In order to understand how we define ourselves and others we must first explore the gender norms in our societies and how they are formed. Since our ideas about “normal” gender identities and gender expression are always tied to time and culture, we cannot define right or wrong ways to live out experienced gender. The ability to critically analyze society and the welfare system as well as recognizing and preventing discriminative structures are important competences for social work professionals. They should also be able to reflect upon the inclusivity of their own work orientation in relation to gender-variant clients and their position in the welfare system as a part of a client-oriented approach to their profession. Anticipation of diversity, the will to genuinely listen and encounter clients as their selves will not benefit gender minorities only, but will also promote equality and the right to receive high-quality and effective social services for the whole clientele

What Does it Take for a Startup Company to be a “Teal” Organisation? Case: Yogaia

The world is changing all the time, and the management and leadership styles are also moving in a new direction towards self-managed teams and participatory working style. The topic of this bachelor’s thesis aroused the author’s interest regarding future management and leadership styles, including especially the concept of “teal”. The thesis aims are to describe the teal organisation model and its characteristics, and to study how teal organisational characteristics work in practice. The first aim was based on literature review concerning management and leadership theories and Laloux’s (2014) teal model and its colour classification system. The second aim was approached with a qualitative method. A case study in one Finnish startup company was made in autumn 2017. Seven employees answered the questionnaire. All employees felt that they did not have just one leader but they work in teams. Most of the respondents thought that they make decisions together and the management style was team-oriented and participatory. The main key factors characterizing the management system were innovation, empowerment and self-management. The owners of the organisation gave them power and responsibility at least moderately. The management and leadership characteristics of the teal organisation are certainly needed more in the future. More research work in this area is needed

Arkitilanteet : Yhteinen ymmärrys intensiivisen vauvaperhetyön työntekijöiden ja vanhempien avuksi arjen haastaviin tilanteisiin

Opinnäytetyön tarkoitus oli tutkia Tampereen kaupungin intensiivisen vauvaperhetyön työntekijöiden näkemyksiä ja tarpeita uuden työorientaation omaksumisessa sekä kehittää heille kenttätyöhön monipuolista ja tilannekohtaisesti sovellettavaa materiaalia. Opinnäytetyössä vastattiin seuraaviin tutkimuskysymyksiin: 1. Millaiset arkiset tilanteet ovat haasteellisia lapsen kiintymyssuhteen ja perheen sisäisen vuorovaikutuksen kannalta? 2. Mistä tällaiset tilanteet voivat johtua ja mihin eri toimijat kiinnittävät niissä huomiota? 3. Millaisin keinoin Tampereen kaupungin intensiivisen vauvaperhetyön työntekijät voivat tukea vanhempia näissä tilanteissa? Opinnäytetyö on laadullinen tutkimus. Teoreettisen viitekehyksen ytimessä olivat teoriat kiintymyssuhteesta ja tunnetyöskentelystä. Aineistonkeruumenetelminä käytettiin havainnointia ja tutkimushaastatteluja. Työntekijöiden teemakokouksissa havainnoitiin työntekijöitä ja heidän näkemyksiään. Asiakasperheissä esiintyviä lapsen kiintymyssuhdetta haastavia tilanteita havainnoitiin kahden viikon ajan osallistumalla kenttätyöhön. Tutkimushaastatteluissa haastateltiin sosiaalipsykologian professori Airi Hautamäkeä, Mannerheimin lastensuojeluliiton pääsihteeri Mirjam Kallandia, Pelastakaa lapset ry:n ylilääkäri Jari Sinkkosta ja Tampereen kaupungin perhetyön suunnittelija Minna Nurmista. Aineisto analysoitiin sisällönanalyysilla ja jäsenkategoria-analyysilla. Lapsen kiintymyssuhteen ja perheen sisäisen vuorovaikutuksen kannalta haastavat tilanteet olivat päivittäisiä tilanteita, joissa lapsen perusturvallisuus oli uhattuna. Esimerkkeinä mainittakoon ruokailu, nukkumaan meno ja siirtymätilanteet. Aineistoa analysoidessa tehtiin merkittävä huomio eri toimijoiden tavassa tulkita tilanteen kulkua ja merkitystä. Vanhemmat etsivät syytä konflikteihin usein lapsesta. Ammattilaiset eli intensiivisen vauvaperhetyöntekijät kiinnittivät huomion vanhemman kykyyn asettaa rajoja ja toimia määrätietoisesti. Asiantuntijat eli haastattelemamme henkilöt kiinnittivät huomion merkityksiin ja menneisyyden kokemusten vaikutukseen. Tällaisissa tilanteissa työntekijän näkökulmasta olennaista on dialoginen työote ja vanhemman kasvatuskäyttäytymisen tukeminen. Opinnäytetyön tuotoksena kehitetty Arkitilanteet-materiaali on tarkoitettu menetelmäksi vanhemmuuden tukemiseen ja edellä mainittujen tilanteiden käsittelyyn. Prosessin edetessä materiaalin idea tuotteistettiin.The objective was to provide support for workers in intensive family work with families of infants in adopting a new work orientation and also to develop versatile and appropriate material for their work in the field. The thesis answered the following research questions: 1. What kind of everyday situtations are challenging for the attachment and the internal interaction of the family? 2. What could be the reasons behind these situations and how differently they can be perceived? 3. In what ways can workers in intensive work with families of infants support parents in these situations? This is a qualitative thesis, and its theoretical framework is based on attachment theory and emotion processing. Data collection methods were observation and interviews. Workers and their perceptions were observed in theme meetings at their work. Challenging situations arising in client families were observed by participating in field work for two weeks. The following experts were interviewed for research purposes: professor of social psychology, Airi Hautamäki; Secretary General for the Mannerheim League for Child Welfare (MLL), Mirjam Kalland; Senior Consultant Psychiatrist at Save the Children Finland, Jari Sinkkonen; Family Work Planner in Tampere, Minna Nurminen. The data was analysed using content analysis and membership categorization analysis. Challenging situations for the attachment of the child and the internal interaction of the family were daily situations where the security of the child was threatened, for example, when eating, at bedtime and in transitions. When analysing the data, it was percieved how differently the course and the meaning of the events can be interpreted. Parents often blame children for the conflict. Professionals, i.e. workers in intensive work with families of infants, paid attention to the ability of the parent to set boundaries and to be determined in their actions. Experts, i.e. the interviewees, outlined the importance of meanings and the influence of past experiences. In these situations, dialogue and supporting the pedagogical model of the parent are essential for the worker. The result of the thesis is Everyday Situations material which is a method to support parenthood and to manage situations mentioned above. The material was productised during the process

Terveyttä edistävät koulukiusaamisen ehkäisemisen menetelmät - opas Nuorimieli-toiminnalle

Koulukiusaaminen on koulussa tapahtuvaa haukkumista, yksin jättämistä, ilkeitä puheita takanapäin tai mitä tahansa sellaista toimintaa, jolla pyritään vahingoittamaan tai loukkaamaan toista. Terveyden ja hyvinvoinnin laitoksen tutkimuksen mukaan peruskoulun 8. ja 9. luokkien pojista kiusaamisen uhreiksi joutui vähintään kerran viikossa lukukauden aikana 8 prosenttia ja tytöistä 6 prosenttia. Terveyden edistäminen tarkoittaa on yksilön tai ryhmän fyysisen, psyykkisen ja sosiaalisen terveyden parantamista. Opinnäytetyö eteni tuotteistamisprosessin mukaisesti ja sen tuloksena tehtiin opas. Tarkoituksena oli kuvata peruskouluikäisten koulukiusaamista ja sen terveyttä edistävää ehkäisemistä. Tavoitteena oli tukea oppaan avulla peruskouluikäisten terveyttä edistävää koulukiusaamisen ehkäisemistä. Tutkimustehtävät olivat, mitä on koulukiusaaminen ja sen terveyttä edistävä ehkäiseminen sekä millainen opas tukee terveyttä edistävää koulukiusaamisen ennaltaehkäisyä. Koulukiusaamista ehkäisevä opas koottiin Nuorimieli-toiminnan henkilökunnan kiusaamista ehkäisevän toiminnan tueksi. Heillä ei ollut aikaisemmin käytössä koostettua opasta koulukiusaamisesta, mitä he voisivat käyttää kiusaamista ennaltaehkäisevässä ohjauksessa hyödykseen. Nuorimieli-toiminta on matalan kynnyksen kohtaamispaikka, jonka tavoitteena on nuorten tukeminen. Se toteuttaa kiusaamista en-naltaehkäisevää työtä ja järjestää kiusaamiseen liittyen vertaistukiryhmiä. Oppaan toimivuutta ja ulkonäköä arvioitiin kyselyn avulla ja siitä saatuja vastauksia induktiivisellä sisällönanalyysillä. Vastauksista kävi ilmi, että oppaan ulkonäkö ja sisältö ovat selkeitä sekä kiinnostavia. Koulukiusaamisesta on kerrottu laajasti ja opasta voi hyödyntää Nuorimieli -toiminnan yhteistyökumppanit. Oppaasta löytyy selkeät tiedot, ohjeet ja yhteystiedot, joiden avulla Nuorimieli -toiminta voi eh-käistä sekä puuttua koulukiusaamiseen ja siten edistää peruskouluikäisten terveyttä. Jatkotutkimusaiheina voisivat olla Nuorimieli -toiminnan nuorten kiusaamiskokemusten selvittäminen tai miten Koulukiusaaminen -opas on auttanut Nuorimieli -toiminnan henkilökuntaa kiusaamista ehkäisevässä toiminnassa.School bullying refers to name-calling, ignoring, malicious talk behind one’s back or any other activity that occurs at school and aims to harm or offend another person. According to a National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) research, 8% of the boys and 6% of the girls in the 8th and 9th grades of the comprehensive school were bullied at least once a week during one semester. This thesis followed the product development process. The aim of this thesis was to describe bullying among comprehensive school pupils and school bullying prevention. The goal of this thesis was, with a guidebook, to support bullying prevention among comprehensive school pupils. The research tasks were to explore what school bullying and prevention of school bullying were and what type of guidebook would sup-port prevention of school bullying. A guidebook on school bullying prevention was created to support the Young Minds staff in their work to prevent school bullying. The Young Minds -activities offer a low threshold meeting place to support young people by organizing anti-bullying campaigns and peer support groups. The functionality and appearance of the guidebook were evaluated using a questionnaire, and answers were analyzed with qualitative content analysis. The answers showed that the appearance and content of the guidebook were clear and interesting. The guidebook discusses school bullying clearly and extensively, and provides instructions and contact information that the Young Minds can use to intervene in bullying incidents and promote comprehensive school pupils’ health. The guidebook can also be used by the cooperation partners of the Young Minds -activities. Further research could be study what kind of bullying experiences young peoples involved in the Young Minds -activities have had or whether the school bullying guidebook has helped the Young Minds staff in their anti-bullying activities